Vänersjöfartens framtid - Konsekvenser vid en nerlagd Vänersjöfart samt faktorer som påverkar Vänersjöfarten

Abstract

The locks in Trollhättan are expected to be worn-out by 2030. A decision whether to invest in new locks or close the locks, which would lead to the closure of Lake Vänern, must be taken. The purpose of this report is to explore how transportation to and from the region around Lake Vänern will be affected if the locks are closed. The report also addresses the question of whether there are additional factors that influence the decision on the new locks. To answer the question, the authors have interviewed decision-makers from industries, shipping companies, government authorities and people familiar to the matter. The result indicates that there will be a large impact on both industries and companies operating in the region. The new planned bridge in Gothenburg has proved to be a crucial factor for the locks and shipments made via the Göta River. The new low bridge leads to more limitations of shipping and the profitability of the locks is questioned if transports would decrease. The authors would indicate the need for continued shipping via Lake Vänern and its development. Much of the region around Lake Vänern is dependent on functional shipping. The region Västra Götaland is an industrial dense region and would be greatly impacted by an abandoned inland shipping transportation.